Monday, April 29, 2013

Better things to come

Geylang International coach Vedhamuthu Kanan felt that his side played one of their best games this season.

The Eagles walked away with maximum points from their game against Tanjong Pagar United after successfully carrying out a first-half comeback at the Bedok Stadium.

First half goals from Yasir Hanapi and Jozef Kaplan settled a 2-1 win for the Eagles, after Kamel Ramdani first opened the scoring for Tanjong Pagar. The match concluded with an exciting finish, as Tanjong Pagar continued an assault against the Eagles defence up to the final whistle.

Although Geylang coach Vedhamuthu Kanan was delighted with the win, he felt that the goal they conceded could have been better defended.

“Before the game, I told the boys that Tanjong Pagar are set-piece specialists," he lamented.

"How he [Ramdani] could have scored from a blindside puzzles me.

“But the boys took it well. They worked hard and continued to make chances that led to us scoring two tonight."

Kanan did eventually express delight with the three points against an opponent that was on a five-game unbeaten run.

“Overall, I think it was an excellent performance against a good team like Tanjong Pagar," he said.

"They have quality foreigners and also experienced local players. We, on the other hand, have inexperienced players. Six of my players were playing their first S.League match tonight."

Skipper Kaplan, who scored the equalizer, also came in for praise, and Kanan also expects his side to offer more as the season progresses.

“He [Kaplan] is a good leader; he leads the team well, week in and week out," he remarked with a smile.

"He is a good role model and the young players look up to him. He is hardworking during training and inspires the team.

“I have said before that we will start slow, given our lack of experience. Now after 10 games, it is time for us to push to the next level. At the way the boys are playing, I can only expect better things to come!”